A free Android VPN is a great way to stay safe online without emptying your wallet. Many dangers lurk on the internet, and a VPN can help you stay safe from them.
Android devices are extremely common nowadays. They are usually the means of paying bills online, sharing pictures, and storing sensitive information. So it is essential to protect them from potential hackers.
A free Android VPN will encrypt your data and hide your IP address at zero cost. Many such VPNs exist, but most of them work terribly.
In this Dbd guide, we will look at the best free Android VPNs that you should be getting.
Best free Android VPN providers comparison
| VPN | Unlimited bandwidth | No-logs policy | Kill Switch | Servers | Speed | Streaming services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1720 + | 66 Mbps | Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc |
| Urban VPN | Yes | No | No | 2000 + | 10 Mbps | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon fire stick TV (with issues) |
| Turbo VPN | Yes | No | Yes | 21000 + (mostly virtual) | 45 Mbps | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc (frequent issues) |
| Atlas VPN | No | Yes | Yes | 750 + | 200 Mbps | Netflix, Hulu, Funimation, Crunchyroll, ESPN, Disney+, etc |
| Hide.me | No | Yes | Yes | 75 + | 40 Mbps | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, HBO, NHL, NFL |
| Hotspot Shield | No | No (only in premium) | No (only in premium) | 1800 + | 2 Mbps | Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ & more (unfavorable with its throttled speed) |
| Windscribe | No | Yes | Yes | 63 countries | 120 Mbps | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3000 + | 135 Mbps | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hotstar, HBO max, Amazon Prime, ESPN, DAZN, etc |
| CyberGhost | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7900 + | 548 Mbps | Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, Amzon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, etc |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | Yes | 3000 + | 324 Mbps | Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, Amzon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, etc |
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | Yes | 5500 + | 369 Mbps | Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc |
Top 10 best free Android VPNs
We have researched and tested more than 30 + free Android VPN services available in the market. Here are our top 10 picks.
List 1: Best completely free Android VPN services
To keep things simple, we have divided our picks for the best free Android VPNs into two categories. The first list is entirely free Android VPN apps.
Whereas in the second list we will also be including some best free trials for paid Android VPNs.
1. ProtonVPN – Overall best completely free Android VPN
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: 66 Mbps
Number of servers: 134 servers in 3 countries (1720 premium servers)
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: Switzerland
Streaming platforms: Hotstar, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc.
Pros
- Best free plan
- Unlimited data
- Great security features
- Fast connection speeds
- 130 + free servers
Cons
- Free servers are available to choose from only 3 countries
Related info: Check out this – Proton VPN review, where you can get all the details about this VPN provider.
How good is ProtonVPN for Android?
ProtonVPN is a great option for Android. This app offers advanced protections like HTTPS, making it ideal for use in restricted countries. It doesn’t cut corners for free users and provides an exemplary user interface.
In addition, ProtonVPN’s Android app has a kill switch that works smoothly. It instantly disconnects your internet connection if the VPN drops. If you’re in a VPN-restricted country, it prevents your activity from being exposed.
Another feature that makes ProtonVPN great for Android has split tunneling. It allows you to choose what traffic goes through the VPN and what does not, which is a helpful feature for tech-savvy users who want to access geo-restricted content without sacrificing security. It is also useful for everyday users who want to access their banking or food delivery app that needs your actual location.
And thanks to specialized VPN servers for streaming, ProtonVPN can easily unblock popular online services. You can enjoy unrestricted access to Netflix or Spotify anywhere you go on your phone.
If you’re looking for a fast, easy-to-use, privacy-focused VPN app that gets the job done right, ProtonVPN is hard to beat!
Related: Best VPN Services in 2024
2. Urban VPN – Best free Android VPN with unlimited bandwidth
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: 10 Mbps
Number of servers: 2000 +
Kill Switch: No
Split Tunneling: No
No-logs policy: No
Based on: United States
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon fire stick TV
Learn more: Urban VPN review: How good and safe is Urban VPN?
Pros
- Unlimited VPN
- Lightweight
- Beginner-friendly
Cons
- Logs user data
- No-kill switch or split tunneling
- Too basic
- Issues in streaming
How good is Urban VPN for Android?
Urban VPN is a good option for users who prioritize changing locations to access websites rather than security.
One of the main benefits of using Urban VPN is that it offers unlimited data usage. That means that you can browse the web and download files without worrying about hitting a limit.
Another advantage of Urban VPN is that it is lightweight and easy to use for newbies.
However, there are some drawbacks to using Urban VPN. One is that it logs user data, which means that your privacy is not completely protected. It can sometimes have issues with streaming. Additionally, there is no kill switch or split tunneling available on the Android version, which is an issue in restricted countries.
Overall, Urban VPN is a decent option for Android users looking for an affordable and easy-to-use VPN. However, it is not perfect, and there are some things to keep in mind before you decide to use it.
Related: Best Premium Android VPNs
3. Turbo VPN – Best free Android VPN service with the largest server
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: 45 Mbps
Number of servers: 21000 + (primarily virtual)
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: No
Based on: Singapore
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, etc. (frequent issues)
Learn more: Turbo VPN review 2022: How good and safe is Turbo VPN?
Pros
- Completely free
- Unlimited data
- Easy user interface
- Large network of servers
- Suitable for quick location changes
Cons
- Not great security features
- Obstructive ads
- Not good at unblocking streaming sites
How good is Turbo VPN for Android?
Turbo VPN offers unlimited bandwidth to Android users. It mainly unblocks region-blocked websites thanks to the vast server network, but it isn’t great at much else. It is pretty easy to use since it is very basic.
This VPN service offers a free account supported by ads with only basic features.
In terms of security, Turbo VPN is not that great. It uses outdated AES-128 encryption and offers a kill switch and split tunneling. Moreover, it logs its users’ data and IP addresses, which means that your identity may still be vulnerable.
Turbo VPN can unblock a few Netflix regions sometimes, but most other streaming services are not supported very well.
Overall, Turbo VPN is a decent VPN service, but it’s not the best option if you’re looking for a reliable way to improve online privacy.
4. Atlas VPN – Best high-speed Android phone VPN provider
Bandwidth: 10 GB per month
Average speed: 200 Mbps
Number of servers: 750 +
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: United States
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Hulu, Funimation, Crunchyroll, ESPN, Disney+, etc
Pros
- No speed throttling in the free version
- Ad-free
- Tracker blocker is available
- Wireguard protocol for excellent speeds
- Streaming optimized servers
Cons
- Only 3 free locations
- Limited bandwidth
How good is AtlasVPN for Android?
If you’re looking for a VPN for your Android device, you may be wondering if AtlasVPN is a good option. The app is intuitive, friendly, and ad-free, so you won’t have to deal with annoying ads.
AtlasVPN is one of the most popular VPNs for Android, and it’s easy to see why. AtlasVPN has excellent user reviews, and it offers a kill switch and split tunneling features which are both available in Android.
The app also comes with a tracker blocker. It helps secure your private information by blocking tracking cookies and other scripts.
Overall, AtlasVPN is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a free Android VPN for their devices.
5. Hide.me VPN
Bandwidth: 10 GB per month
Average speed: 40 Mbps
Number of servers: 5 free locations
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: Malaysia
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, HBO, NHL, NFL, etc
Learn more: Hide.me VPN Review – How Good & Safe is Hide.me?
Pros
- No ads
- No throttled speed
- Good at unblocking
- Supports P2P sharing
Cons
- Limited bandwidth
- Only 5 free locations
How good is Hide.me VPN for Android?
Hide.me has a good layout, and it is straightforward to use. It offers a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy to get started with VPN protection.
Hide.me does not throttle your internet speeds or limit your data usage as some other VPNs do. And best of all, there are no ads shown in the app, so you can browse in peace without annoying, uninteresting advertisements.
Hide.me delivers on its promises while keeping an excellent no-logs policy. It’s a secure app and does what its name suggests – hide you.
It’s worth trying Hide.me if you are looking for best VPN services for Android devices with no cost.
6. Hotspot Shield VPN
Bandwidth: 500 Mb per day
Average speed: 2 Mbps maximum
Number of servers: 1 location free
Kill Switch: No (only in premium)
Split Tunneling: No (only in premium)
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: United States
Streaming platforms: Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ & more (not favorable with its throttled speed)
Learn more: Hotspot Shield VPN review
Pros
- Strong security protocols
- Consistent speed
Cons
- Highly throttled speed of just 2 Mbps
- Just 1 free location
- Lag during streaming due to slow speed
How good is Hotspot Shield VPN for Android?
Hotspot Shield VPN for Android is a free and easy-to-use VPN app with a good user interface.
The free version gives you fewer server options, very slow speed, and no ads.
Hotspot Shield VPN for Android is a good option if you are looking for a VPN for casual web browsing, which doesn’t require a ton of data.
7. Windscribe VPN
Bandwidth: 10 GB per month
Average speed: 120 Mbps
Number of servers: 11 free countries, 63 total
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: Canada
Streaming platforms: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc
Pros
- Advanced features
- Good at unblocking streaming sites
- GPS spoofing
- Ad blocker and double VPN available
Cons
- Limited bandwidth
- Lacks 24/7 support
How good is Windscribe VPN for Android?
Windscribe VPN has a high-rated Android app. With its sleek, modern & dark-blue design and easy-to-navigate interface, the app looks fantastic, perfect for anyone. It offers users a wide range of features and functionality.
It has optimized performance and carefully sorted servers and settings. That means it is a breeze to use, even for newbies.
Windscribe lets you choose your preferred protocol easily so that you can see which one is the fastest for you.
So if you’re looking for an intuitive, best Android VPN solution, look no further than Windscribe VPN.
List 2: Best free trial Android VPNs
These are Android VPNs that come with a free trial period. Some of these only come with a money-back guarantee ranging from 30 to 45 days.
You can either use the short free trials or buy the cheapest plan, use it during the active refund period, and easily apply for a full refund. That is how you can use these freely for a limited time:
1. ExpressVPN
Free Trial: 7 days
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: At least 135 Mbps
Number of servers: 3000 +
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: The British Virgin Islands
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hotstar, HBO max, Amazon Prime, ESPN, DAZN, etc
Cheapest premium plan: Get ExpressVPN for $6.67 per month with + 3 Months FREE (49% off)
Pros
- Unlimited data
- Long free trial
- Optimized UI for Android devices
- Best security protocols
- Trusted by tens of millions
- Largest server distribution
Cons
- Pre-payment is necessary for a longer free trial
- More expensive than other similar VPNs
How good is ExpressVPN for Android?
ExpressVPN overall is one of the greatest VPNs we have tested. It is incredibly fast, offers unlimited bandwidth, and has top-of-the-line security features.
It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee after your 7-day free trial. So, you can try it for yourself risk-free. However, ExpressVPN does come at a higher price point than some other similar VPNs, making it less appealing.
The lowest price is $6.67 per month. That is quite expensive, but you can get all of it back as a refund within a month, making it free for a month.
Learn more: ExpressVPN Review – Who is this VPN Best For, is it Worth?
2. CyberGhost VPN
Free Trial: 1 day
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: 548 Mbps
Number of servers: 7900 +
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: Romania
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, etc
Cheapest premium plan: Enjoy 3 years CyberGhost VPN deals for Only $2.29/mo
Pros
- Long money-back guarantee
- Excellent security and features
- A vast network of servers
- Unblocks almost all streaming sites
Cons
- Upfront payment needed for a longer free trial
- True free trial is short
How good is CyberGhost for Android?
Cyberghost VPN is a top-notch app for Android users who want to stay secure online. It has a sleek, modern design and an eye-pleasing dark color scheme. That makes it looks great and puts no strain on the eyes when used.
In addition, there’s a quick connect button right when you open the app. The button makes it easy to connect to the most efficient server in just seconds. That removes the need to guess which server is right for you.
It has a well-organized list of streaming or gaming-optimized servers around the world. This function makes it easy to access streaming services using the best servers possible.
Cyberghost VPN’s Android app is worth checking out whether you are a casual user or a power user!
Learn more: CyberGhost VPN Review – How Good & Safe is it?
3. Surfshark VPN
Free Trial: 7 days
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: 324 Mbps
Number of servers: 3000 +
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: The British Virgin Islands
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, etc
Cheapest premium plans: Save 81% on a 2-year deal
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 7 days free trial available
- Great security features
- Great for streaming and gaming
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons
- Slightly slower than its biggest competitors
- A longer free trial requires payment before you get a refund
How good is Surfshark VPN for Android?
Surfshark VPN is a huge name in the VPN industry. It is known for its vast array of features, great security, and unlimited bandwidth. All of these features are available on the Android version.
The layout of the Android app is as simple as it gets, given the number of features it has. They recently added the pause VPN function, which put VPN on hold for a limited time.
Learn more: Surfshark VPN Review: How Good & Safe is Surfshark?
4. NordVPN
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Average speed: 369 Mbps
Number of servers: 5500 +
Kill Switch: Yes
Split Tunneling: Yes
No-logs policy: Yes
Based on: Panama
Streaming platforms: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc
Cheapest premium plans: Get $3.99 per month for the 2-year plan
Pros
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Excellent security protocols
- Loaded with features
- Highly intuitive app
- Trustworthy company reputation
Cons
- No truly free version is available
How good is NordVPN for Android?
NordVPN is one of the most reputable and trusted virtual private networks available today. It offers a wide range of features and add-ons as well.
One of the best features of NordVPN’s Android app is its simple design. The interface is easy to use and navigate. It also offers a wide range of servers, making it one of the most versatile VPNs.
In addition, NordVPN comes with a neat world map showing the location of all its servers. That makes it easy to find a server close to your current location.
Nord subscription starts from $3.99 per month. Thanks to its refund policy, you can get all your money back within a month. That practically makes it free for a month.
Overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for a comprehensive and user-friendly VPN solution.
Learn more: NordVPN Review – Who is this VPN Best For, is it Worth?
How to install free Android VPNs?
The process of installing a VPN is very straightforward. You have to follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Open Google Play Store.
Step 2: Search for your preferred VPN service.
Step 3: Tap on the free Android app and tap the Install button.
Step 4: Wait for it to download. Once the app has been installed, log in or create an account following on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Connect to one of the server locations or tap the quick connect switch on the home screen of all VPN apps.
You can enable other features like the kill switch from the settings menu. If the VPN connection drops, this disconnects your internet traffic will be secure.
See also: Check out this Dbd post – best free iPhone VPNs, where we have listed the best free VPN for iOS devices.
Methodology – How did we choose the best free Android VPN services?
To find some of the best free Android VPNs, we looked at various factors. These included VPN server locations, app features, speed, security, free data limit, ease of use, etc. We also evaluated the free trials and free features of all of these VPNs.
Moreover, we took user reviews and policies of VPN service providers into significant consideration. Every virtual private network on this list has undergone many tests and comparisons with other VPN services.
Magical Media Studio’s cybersecurity expert, Adam Levin, has seen firsthand the importance of using a VPN. Adam recommends looking for a military-grade encryption provider and offers a strict no-logs policy. He also advises clients to choose a provider with an extensive network of servers in different countries, which helps access the more region-blocked content.
Based on the recommendation of our expert, we reached out to the users of the listed VPNs for feedback. We have highly prioritized Android device users’ experiences.
To understand the user’s experience, our team skimmed through the customer review subreddit /r/vpnreviews/. [1]Reddit, “VPN Reviews, https://www.reddit.com/r/vpnreviews/”
Of course, we also had first-hand experience with every VPN provider we listed.
Additionally, we have studied the various research papers and articles on free android VPNs written by independent experts. These research insights have helped us understand the in-depth technical aspects of virtual private network technology in Android devices and make an informed decision.
Following are the research papers that we have studied before preparing the list of free Android VPNs.
- “Google Android: A Comprehensive Security Assessment” – research conducted by A. Shabtai, Y. Fledel, U. Kanonov, Y. Elovici, S. Dolev and C. Glezer at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel [2]A. Shabtai, Y. Fledel, U. Kanonov, Y. Elovici, S. Dolev and C. Glezer, “Google Android: A Comprehensive Security Assessment,” in IEEE Security & Privacy, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 35-44, … Continue reading
- “PrivacyGuard: A VPN-based Platform to Detect Information Leakage on Android Device” – research conducted by Yihang Song and Urs Hengartner at the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.[3]Yihang Song and Urs Hengartner. 2015. “PrivacyGuard: A VPN-based Platform to Detect Information Leakage on Android Devices. In Proceedings of the 5th Annual ACM CCS Workshop on Security and … Continue reading
After taking all these resources into consideration, these were some technical factors we evaluated:
- Security protocols (OpenVPN, L2TPIPsec, PPTP, Wireguard, Lightway, etc.)
- Encryption
- Simultaneous connections
- Number and diversity of server locations
- Speed tests and speed reports from users
- Unlimited data, data limit, or bandwidth capabilities
- Free users’ customer service
- The usefulness of the free version
- Trustworthiness of VPN providers
Using such information, we were able to see which ones are the best free VPNs for Android in the current market.
FAQs about free VPN for Android
What is the best free Android VPN?
ProtonVPN is the best freely available Android VPN right now. It offers unlimited free data, and it is secure, fast, and reliable with many valuable features.
There are also other great free Android VPN apps in the market that you can choose from. Check their features, speed, and security before deciding which one is best for you.
Are free Android VPNs safe?
They are safe to a certain extent. Free unlimited VPN services are not entirely safe. Those with data limits, such as hide.me are safe.
Get ExpressVPN, a safe VPN, using its free trial for seven days. This VPN provider offers a free plan with unlimited free data and unlimited access to the internet for a week. It provides a free trial with all of its VPN services to Android users. To find our recommendation for the best premium VPN services, check the list here.
ProtonVPN provides the safest and best free Android VPN services. It’s a free Android phone VPN service that gives you unlimited data while keeping your Android safe with strong encryption.
Which is the fastest free Android VPN?
Your VPN’s speed depends on your internet connection. An encrypted connection will always reduce your speed, but CyberGhost, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN’s free trials can give you the fastest possible rates. Their VPN servers are secure and support unlimited data transfer.
Most free Android VPNs are usually slower and don’t give unlimited data. VPN providers can’t afford to provide all services of the paid version to the users of the free version.
Is there a completely free Android VPN?
Yes, there is a VPN for Android that is entirely free. There is more than one. ProtonVPN, Urban VPN, and Turbo VPN have free versions available for download.
We consider ProtonVPN a good VPN that will always hide your actual IP address while the others aren’t as secure. They are equally capable of changing your locations, though. Sometimes, that is all that’s required to access blocked content.
Can I use free Android VPNs for Netflix?
Yes, you can use free trials of ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost to watch Netflix shows. ProtonVPN is also a good option. It offers slightly more unreliable speeds, but it is the best free Android VPN app among the completely free ones.
Which is the best free Android VPN for China?
We do not recommend using a free VPN version in restricted countries like China. Free users are vulnerable because many VPNs log IP addresses. Your government may know your online identity through your internet provider.
We suggest using a secure VPN, trying free trials, and taking advantage of money-back guarantees that some VPNs provide. Make sure they come equipped with AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch.
ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost VPNs are excellent at hiding your online activity in China. They use robust security features, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak prevention at fast speeds.
Final thoughts
Choosing a secure VPN amongst the free Android VPN providers can be difficult. Many Android VPN apps claim to connect you safely to blocked sites, but many don’t work the way you want them to.
In our testing, ProtonVPN is the best completely free Android VPN. This VPN works very well, and it can connect you to nearly any content and download large files seamlessly.
You should also consider free trials and money-back guarantees if you need to connect safely using free version apps. Using a VPN like Cyberghost, ExpressVPN or Surfshark will keep your operating system safe from hackers and unnecessary malware.
Freely available Android VPNs can have drawbacks, but sometimes, they are exactly what you need. So go through the list and see which one is the most appealing to you.
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About the author
Christopher Brooks
Christopher Brooks is a computer and information researcher with a passion for advancing digital technologies. He holds a Master's Degree in Computer Science from MIT and has been applying his knowledge to further the fields of cyber security, consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, data science, and more. In his free time, Christopher enjoys biking and hiking.
Andrew Chavez is a passionate technology researcher and MSc graduate from Texas A&M University. He has a broad range of knowledge on current tech developments, new discoveries in the field of high-tech and science, as well as software engineering proficiency. With an insatiable appetite for learning and discovering, Andrew strives to bridge the gap between academia and industry. His ambition drives him to make meaningful contributions to the tech world continuously.
